Obviously, Sony never owned Daredevil but the rights were still associated with him in order to make the Daredevil movie.

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The Daredevil movie was made by Fox.

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And the rights to Kingpin were "loaned" to FOX by Sony to make Daredevil, probably for a monetary price. Daredevil has since returned to Marvel, but whether or not Marvel owns Kingpin is still something for contract lawyers to argue. Either way, Marvel has other properties to explore on film, so Kingpin isn't necessary.

FWIW, Sony has stayed away from Kingpin, too. The waters are probably too murky and not important enough to wade through.

Obviously, Sony never owned Daredevil but the rights were still associated with him in order to make the Daredevil movie.

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The Daredevil movie was made by Fox.

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Sorry, let me say that more clearly, I wasn't thinking when I wrote that. Obviously, Sony never owned Daredevil (Fox did), (so) the rights were still associated with (Daredevil) in order to make a Daredevil movie (and also associated with Spider-Man on television).

^ Kevin Fiege has been clear that they have the rights to use Kingpin (and I would be genuinely shocked if he doesn't appear). That's why I'm skeptical that he was only loaned for the Daredevil movie.

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See, I've seen that oft repeated on multiple websites based on that Fiege interview, but here's what he actually says:

IGN: Can you shed any light on the nature of the rights for characters like Namor and Kingpin and Elektra? Clearly, with the Daredevil Netflix series, a lot of people are wondering who basically controls Kingpin and Elektra, and a lot of folks are wondering about Namor because of the fact that you guys are going to do The Defenders. Can you clarify that situation?

Feige: No, Namor I think is a little complicated, the way some of them are. Elektra I think we have. I think that was part of Daredevil, and that's clean and simple. Kingpin we either have or somehow share. I'm not 100 percent clear on that one.

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So he's not clear, he doesn't know. We have to take his word for it because he's in a position to know more than us, though. Not that it really matters, it's kind of a moot point. Marvel doesn't have a pressing need to introduce the Kingpin character in the films. Possibly the Daredevil TV show if at all.

As he's also said he probably doesn't wanna be playing the role post-40. Seen as he's 31 in a few months, and if Sony really want to make a big franchise out of Spider-Man ala the MCU have done, then it's a good idea. Otherwise they'll have to reboot it all yet again in a few years.

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That could actually work in the movies if they want a cohesive, Garfield Spiderman universe. Let Parker grow up in this one, become a teacher and have Morales be his student.

Introduce him a movie or two before you kill off Garfield's Parker and let the audience warm up to him as Parker's protegé who is then inspired by Peter Parker's story and heroism to take up the mantle once the original Spiderman is killed in action.

It would make for a great story and i'd like to see that for both story potential and to see other races represented as heroes.

^ Kevin Fiege has been clear that they have the rights to use Kingpin (and I would be genuinely shocked if he doesn't appear). That's why I'm skeptical that he was only loaned for the Daredevil movie.

Click to expand...

See, I've seen that oft repeated on multiple websites based on that Fiege interview, but here's what he actually says:

IGN: Can you shed any light on the nature of the rights for characters like Namor and Kingpin and Elektra? Clearly, with the Daredevil Netflix series, a lot of people are wondering who basically controls Kingpin and Elektra, and a lot of folks are wondering about Namor because of the fact that you guys are going to do The Defenders. Can you clarify that situation?

Feige: No, Namor I think is a little complicated, the way some of them are. Elektra I think we have. I think that was part of Daredevil, and that's clean and simple. Kingpin we either have or somehow share. I'm not 100 percent clear on that one.

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So he's not clear, he doesn't know. We have to take his word for it because he's in a position to know more than us, though. Not that it really matters, it's kind of a moot point. Marvel doesn't have a pressing need to introduce the Kingpin character in the films. Possibly the Daredevil TV show if at all.

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He knows it's one of two options. He's not 100% clear on which. But either option belies the idea that Sony "loaned" Kingpin to Daredevil unless it was just a CYA move.

Given what they've said about the Daredevil TV show so far, I think it's pretty clear that Kingpin will be involved. Do I think Kingpin is necessary in a Daredevil series? No. Not necessary. But I do think he's his strongest villain and I do think the first season will likely involve Fisk, Bullseye, and Elektra and take elements of Vol. 1 issues 168 (or perhaps slightly before) to 191 or so.